tour del gran paradiso - adventure consultants · 2020-01-09 · explore the renowned wildlife...

TOUR DEL GRAN PARADISO3,296M / 10,814FT

2020 TRIP NOTES

Contents Copyright © Adventure Consultants Ltd 2020 3

Explore the renowned wildlife habitat of Gran Paradiso National Park on the Tour del Gran Paradiso, a spectacular trekking circuit designed to highlight the best of the Italian Alps. Journey through larch and fir woodlands to the alpine meadows, rocky peaks and glaciers that showcase spectacular alpine scenery and mountain vistas. Photograph ibex, chamois, marmot and other fauna and flora in Italy’s oldest national park, a truly outstanding trek for wildlife lovers and alpine trekkers alike.

HISTORYGran Paradiso National Park was the first national park to be established in Italy, initially as a wildlife habitat to protect the alpine ibex. It includes a large area of high mountains, from the valley floor at 800m/2,600ft to the lofty heights of Gran Paradiso peak at 4,061m/13,323ft. Larch and fir woodlands, wide alpine grasslands, rocks and glaciers provide an ideal habitat for the rich and varied wildlife that live within the park.

ITINERARYPrivate departures are available on demand from July to September.

Alpenglow on the North Face of Gran Paradiso. Photo: Paolo Pieroni

TOUR DEL GRAN PARADISO NOTES

DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 0

Arrive in Chamonix

Arrive at your hotel in Chamonix, where your guide will meet you in the evening to go over the details of the trek and answer any questions you may have.

Day 1

Pont to Rifugio Città di ChivassoWe travel through the Mont Blanc tunnel to the scenic Aosta Valley in northern Italy. A winding mountain road takes us through Valsavarenche to the small village of Pont (1,952m/6,404ft), the starting point of our trek. The trail climbs steadily to reach the Col du Grand Collet (2,832m/9,291ft) before climbing under the rocky spires of Cima dell’Arollay.

2020 TREK DETAILSDates: Available on demand Mid-June to mid-SeptemberDuration: 6 daysDeparture: ex Chamonix, FrancePrice: €1,550 each 1:4 guide to trekker ratio €1,350 each 1:6 guide to trekker ratio €1,300 each 1:8 guide to trekker ratio


Eventually, we arrive at a large meadow and marshland which surround the Laghi del Nivolet, ‘the Lakes of the Snow’. Passing alongside the lake, we make our way to the Rifugio Città di Chivasso (2,603m/8,540ft) for the night.

Distance: 11km/7 miles Time: 6hrs

Day 2

Rifugio Città di Chivasso to Rifugio BenevolFrom the Rifugio Città di Chivasso, we head out across grassy meadows covered in alpine flowers and make our way to Lago Leita and Lago Rosset. Spectacular views surround us we climb towards Col Rosset (3,025m/9,925ft) or Col Basei (3,174m/10,413ft), depending on conditions at the time. A steep descent then sees us traverse across the side of the mountain to reach Rifugio Benevolo (2,287m/7,503ft) our accommodation for the night, where we can enjoy showers and a glass of wine!

Distance: 13km/8 miles Time: 6–7hrs

Day 3

Col Bassac Dere to Rifugio BezziIt is a steep climb to start the day, taking us up to Col Bassac Dere (3,085m/10,121ft). Edelweiss and other alpine flowers carpet the ground as we climb upwards and together with the surrounding mountains provide many photo opportunities en route. We trek past Lago Goletta and arrive at the col to views of Grande Sassière in the distance and immense rocky outcrops around us. If conditions allow, we will climb the nearby ridge of Becca della Traversière (3,337m/10,948ft). Welcome hot showers and meals greet us once we descend to Rifugio Bezzi (2,279m/7,477ft) for the night.

Distance: 13km/8 miles Time: 7–8.5hrs

Colle Finestra de Torrent to Rhêmes-Notre-Dames

A relatively easy start to the day as our trail traverses the mountainside, winding in and out of gullies and offering spectacular views of the length of the Valgrisenche, as we head for the Rifugio Chalet de l’Epée (2,370m/7,776ft) for lunch. It is then an easy climb over the Colle Finestra de Torrent at 2,875m/9,432ft, where we may see chamois and the Gran Paradiso icon, the ibex. A short but steep descent then takes us to our overnight destination, the tiny village of Rhêmes-Notre-Dames (1,723m/5,653ft) where we check into a local hotel.


Day 5

Colle di Entrelor to Eaux-RoussesThe morning trail weaves through larches and fir woodlands before breaking into the higher alpine meadows at Plan de la Feya and climbing up a rocky trail to the high pass of Colle di Entrelor at 3,007m/8,517ft. Gaining the col brings us to a full circle and we once more look down into Valsavarenche where our journey began. From here, the majestic summit of Italy’s highest peak, Gran Paradiso (4,061m/13,323ft), frames the horizon. We spend the afternoon descending and traversing the mountainside steadily via lakes and meadows to reach the village of Eaux-Rousses (1,660m/5,450ft) and our hotel for the night.

Distance: 15km/9 miles Time: 8–9 hrs

Trek past stunning alpine lakes. Photo: Alessandro Bosio

Day 4


Day 6

Eaux Rousses to Pont and Chamonix

Our final day sees us heading under the shadow of Gran Paradiso, initially trekking through larch woods to the Rifugio Federico Chabod (2,750m/9,022ft) for lunch. Herds of chamois and ibex can often be seen grazing in meadows above the hut.

We then spend the afternoon traversing and climbing across the mountainside towards Rifugio Vittorio Emanuele (2,735m/8,973ft), a rather space-age looking building. We then descend down through the forest back to our starting point at Pont, where we enjoy an Italian hot chocolate or a cold beer before returning to Chamonix.


Day 7

Depart from ChamonixIt is the final day to enjoy breakfast and exchange photos with the team before departing for home.

PREREQUISITE EXPERIENCEThe Tour del Gran Paradiso is suitable for trekkers with a reasonably high level of fitness. The trek requires participants to be able to walk between 7–9 hours per day, with daily ascents and descents of around 1,500m/4,900ft or more. It is imperative that you are able to carry a 10–15kg/22–33lb daypack each day, across variable trails in mountainous terrain.

THE ADVANTAGES OF TREKKING WITH ADVENTURE CONSULTANTSAdventure Consultants is renowned for the quality of its service and strategy applied to expedition and ascent climbing and trekking. Our reputation is attributed to meticulous planning and experienced logistics coordination. We have a philosophy of investing in every expedition to offer our climbers and trekkers the best possible chance of success.

Our trekking guides are International Mountain Leaders or qualified under the BMG/NZMGA and/or IFMGA/UIAGM. They are professional trekking guides and operate to the highest industry standards.

Ibex and chamois roam throughout the park. Photo: Alessandro Bosio Wide alpine pastures near Orvieille. Photo: Alessandro Bosio

Outstanding opportunities to see wildlife. Photo: Alessandro Bosio


Many of our trekkers and climbers come to us because they have seen us in action on a previous trip and decide to opt for our level of service and proven experience. Others return because they know we do our very best to make our trips, expeditions, courses and guided ascents safe and successful.

TEAM SIZEWe cater for private groups with a maximum of 8 trekkers in each departure.

TREKKING SEASONWe operate in the Alps mid-June to mid-September and other times as conditions allow. In June and early July, the high passes may still have snow on the ground and as temperatures warm up into the summer months from mid-July, we traditionally experience more settled weather and warmer temperatures. You are welcome to choose your own dates according to your preference.

WEATHEREurope has a continental climate which in general encourages more stable weather. However, the weather in the high mountains can be changeable and at times, very severe. June may still bring some cooler weather and even snow, whilst moving into July and August brings settled hot weather.

COMMUNICATION & MESSAGESOur guides are in cell phone communication with our operations base throughout the trip.

This assists us with schedule and weather forecast updates, accommodation coordination and safety backup. Your own mobile phone should work in the region, though you may wish to confirm with your own service provider first.

EQUIPMENT LISTTrekking in the European Alps requires high-quality clothing and equipment due to the extremes of weather conditions. Our focus is on having the essential clothing and equipment to keep you warm and comfortable during the trek.

You will be sent an equipment checklist on confirmation of your booking. Your guide will go through this with you at the beginning of your trip. You can rent technical equipment for the trek but you must provide your own clothing appropriate to trekking as per the equipment list.

FITNESS & HEALTHTo make the most of your trekking experience we encourage you to work on your fitness prior to the trip. You will find that training on hills with a 10–15kg/22–33lb pack on is the best preparation for the mountains, with the aim of building your endurance. Your guide will be attuned to your fitness levels and will regulate the pace accordingly.

Our registration form requests that you advise us of any medical problems you may have and of any medications that you are taking. Any information you supply will be treated as confidential.

Trek through pasture and woodlands to high alpine passes. Photo: Alessandro Bosio


FOODAdventure Consultants will provide breakfasts and picnic lunches for the duration of the trek and evening meals on the hut/refuge nights while the trip is running. Should the group decide to take a restaurant lunch that is not in the programme, this will be at your own expense. Evening meals on hotel nights are not included so that you have the option to explore many of the wonderful restaurants in the region. Any additional food, beverages or meals you purchase that are not mentioned in the inclusions will be at your own expense.

We provide nutritious lunches and a supply of snack food throughout the trip according to the programme. It is a good idea to bring a small selection of your favourite snack food and hydration drinks with you to ensure you are fuelled by your preferred brands. Actual amounts depend on your consumption but 2 per day in addition to the lunches that we provide would seem reasonable.

If you have any special dietary requirements, please advise us at the time of registration. If your dietary requirements are especially strict, you are advised to bring a sufficient supply of your required food types with you to ensure you are provided for.

ACCOMMODATIONAccommodation is provided on a twin share B&B basis from the evening of the first night (Day 0) through to the morning of Day 7 after breakfast. Accommodation in the mountains is in alpine huts in shared bunk rooms or dormitory rooms. Blankets are provided and no sleeping bag will be required. There are no single supplements (or private rooms) available in the mountain huts, but we can arrange this for you at additional cost for the hotel nights during the trek. Please ask about costs at the time of enquiry.

TRAVELWe commence the Tour del Gran Paradiso from Chamonix in France. The closest international airport is at Geneva, just over the border in Switzerland. Regular shuttles operate between Geneva airport and Chamonix, with the trip taking about 1½ hours. Your shuttle driver will drop you directly at your accommodation. Transfer costs are at your own expense, but we can provide advice and assistance with your transfer arrangements.

The remote alpine rifugio Vittorio Emanuele. Photo: Paolo Pieroni


INSURANCEWe strongly recommend that you take out Trip Cancellation Insurance and Travel Insurance, as well as Medical and Rescue Insurance to protect yourself in the event of injury or mishap prior to or during your trip.

While our focus is on safety and our track record supports this, the mountains do have hazards and there is the potential for mishap. Should you be injured whilst on the trip, there is a very efficient rescue service nearby.

PRICEThe cost of the trek ex Chamonix is:

€1,550 per person at a 1:4 guide to trekker ratio€1,350 per person at a 1:6 guide to trekker ratio€1,300 per person at a 1:8 guide to trekker ratio

NOTE: All prices subject to change without notice.

This is an inclusive cost and covers the following:

• Guide• Mountain huts for 3 nights (dormitory rooms on a

half board basis, breakfast and dinner included)• Hotels for 4 nights on a twin-share B&B basis• Picnic lunches• Transport as per schedule

The trek fee does not include the following:

• Any lift, hut, hotel or transport costs additional to the programme due to weather or logistics (any changes will be actioned only after you have been consulted by your guide)

• Personal clothing and equipment• Evening meals on hotel nights in Chamonix,

Rhêmes-Notre-Dame and Eaux Rousses• Airport transfers to/from Chamonix (although

we can arrange this for you)• Any hotel single supplement costs• Extra additional meals or snacks/drinks

purchased from huts or hotels• Travel insurance• Gratuity

Start and finish in the alpine centre of Chamonix. Photo: Guy Cotter Views across Lago Nivolet towards Grivola. Photo: Alessandro Bosio

Looking towards Gran Paradiso. Photo: Andrew Peacock


PAYMENT DETAILSAll payments should be made by bank transfer to the following bank and account:

Bank of New ZealandOffshore Branch42 Willis StreetSpark CentralWellingtonNew Zealand

For the account of Adventure Consultants Limited

Account Number: 1000-594771-0002Account Type: EurosSwift Address: BKNZNZ22

NOTE: All bank transfer charges are for the remitter’s account.

We also accept your deposit and balance payment by credit card (Visa, Mastercard or Amex) plus a 3% card charge.

DEPOSIT

A deposit of €500 will secure a place on the trek.

BALANCE

The balance of payment is payable 60 days prior to your trip start date.

CANCELLATION & REFUND POLICY

Once you have paid your deposit your trip is confirmed, subject to payment of the balance of fees owing 60 days prior to your trip commencement date. A trek member may then cancel their participation on the following basis:

• Cancellations outside of 60 days will result in the loss of the trip deposit.

• For cancellations made within 60 days of the trip commencement date we reserve the right to retain 50% of the full fee.

• For cancellations made within 30 days of the trip commencement date we reserve the right to retain 75% of the full fee.

• For cancellations within 15 days of the departure date a cancellation fee of 100% of the full fee applies.

We strongly recommend you take out trip cancellation insurance via your travel agent if you wish to be covered against cancellation due to medical or personal reasons.

Clouds gather over the North Face of Gran Paradiso. Photo: Glen Hodges


HOW TO JOIN THIS TREKIf you would like to join this trek please feel free to book using our online booking form at https://www.adventureconsultants.com/treks/european-alps-trekking/tour-del-gran-paradiso/book-now and return your completed application to us with a deposit for the trip.

Moon rising over Gran Paradiso. Photo: Paolo Pieroni

CONTACT USIf you require more information, please contact us at:

Adventure Consultants LtdPO Box 73920 Brownston StreetWanaka, 9343 New Zealand

Phone: + 64 3 443 8711Freephone from North America: +1 866 757 8722Email: [email protected]: www.adventureconsultants.com

https://www.adventureconsultants.com/treks/european-alps-trekking/tour-del-gran-paradiso/book-now



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Adventure Consultants is affiliated to the New Zealand Mountain Guides Association (NZMGA), New Zealand Alpine Club (NZAC) and a corporate member of the American Alpine Club (AAC). Adventure Consultants is a supporter of the dZi Foundation in Nepal for their ‘Revitalise a Village’ programmes.

Adventure Consultants perform to IFMGA/UIAGM standards and are world leaders in high altitude guiding.

All material Copyright © Adventure Consultants Ltd 2020

Peaks rise above the cloud, Gran Paradiso National Park. Photo: Paolo Pieroni

tour del gran paradiso - adventure consultants · 2020-01-09 · explore the renowned wildlife...

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